LAND AND HEALING

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is viewed in a holistic context, that encompasses mental health and physical, cultural and spiritual health. Land is central to wellbeing. Crucially, it must be understood that when the harmony of these interrelations is disrupted, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ill health will persist.”Social and Emotional Well Being Framework

LAND & WELL-BEING

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is viewed in a holistic context, that encompasses mental health and physical, cultural and spiritual health. Land is central to wellbeing. Crucially, it must be understood that when the harmony of these interrelations is disrupted, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ill health will persist.” Social and Emotional Well Being Framework “The return of people to their country, or the gaining of other land to live on is an essential part of grappling with the manifold underlying sources of health problems. But mere ‘ownership; of land in the Western legalistic sense, will not immediately resolve the historical and contemporary social and cultural pressures which surface in alcohol abuse, violence, and physical and mental ill health. These matters will only respond to a building of a real sense of control in individual and community life.” Mick Dodson

CARING & RECONNECTING

“Culture is a living process, and when there is strong cultural continuity people become imbued with a sense of identity, well-being and life purpose. Culture, spirit and identity are linked across time and space to country and kin. Healing occurs when these reconnections are made.” Judy Atkinson Caring for country involves: “[L]ooking after all of the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area, as well as associated processes of spiritual renewal, connecting with ancestors, food provision, and maintaining kin relations.” Jon Altman> Indigenous Health and Wellbeing: The Importance of Country’ by Cynthia Ganesharajah> Indigenous Hip Hop